ARCHETYPESIntroduction to Beowulf and the Epic Hero
Archetype defined
Very old patterns or images that recur over and over again in literature. They can refer to the characters, symbols, or situations.
Journey/Quest
The journey is one type of archetypal pattern, involving a long, dangerous quest (like Odysseus!) What are these character’s quests?
Characteristics of the Journey:
•Heroes will go on a physical journey
•Heroes will also undergo a journey of change
•The hero is usually reluctant to leave
•There are many trials along the way
•The hero becomes wise about the world and himself /herself because of the journey
•He/She returns home and shares this wisdom
What do these characters have in common?
Archetype: Forbidden Lovers
Characteristics of Forbidden Lovers:
•Lovers are from two opposing groups; they are ‘not supposed’ to be together
•Great obstacles must be overcome for the two to be together
•One lover may have to sacrifice or struggle more than the other to make the relationship work
These?
Archetype:
The Unlikely Hero
Characteristics of Unlikely Heroes:
•Unlikely heroes have mental or physical limitations
•These heroes are usually lacking in one or more of the qualities of a traditional hero (strength, bravery, selfless deeds, etc.)
These?
Archetype: The torn villain
Characteristics of Torn Villains:
•This villain is not entirely evil
•This villain may regret his or her actions
•This villain is usually linked to the hero in some way
And…
King Arthur
Archetype: The epic hero
Characteristics of Epic Heroes:1. Braver, stronger, and smarter than
other humans.2. On a quest for something that is of
great value to him or his people.3. Faces incredibly difficult villains and
dangers.4. Possesses human weaknesses.5. May have divine help.
Values of Society
Archetypes aren’t planned…they occur because they represent qualities and characteristics that a society values.
What do the archetypes we’ve discussed reveal about human values?